On global and internal dynamics of spots: A theoretical approach (Q1321024)

This paper studies the currently topical problem of development of a three-dimensional travelling disturbance which evolves from an initially localized disturbance in a laminar boundary layer. The analysis is based on a study of the three-dimensional unsteady incompressible Euler equations in a boundary layer. Specifically, attention is directed toward the nonlinear solution at large times, far downstream from the position of the initial disturbance. In the appropriate time zone the solution has a three-layer structure, and this is exploited. A careful asymptotic analysis is performed for the successive amplitudes which arise, and the mathematical analysis is interpreted physically. The effect of inclusion of viscosity in the boundary layer is also discussed.